iOS 26.3: Proximity Pairing in EU
Juli Clover (Hacker News, Reddit):
The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple’s own products get. In iOS 26.3, EU wearable device makers can now test proximity pairing and improved notifications.
Here are the new capabilities that Apple is adding:
- Proximity pairing - Devices like earbuds will be able to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like way by bringing the accessory close to an iPhone or iPad to initiate a simple, one-tap pairing process. Pairing third-party devices will no longer require multiple steps.
- Notifications - Third-party accessories like smart watches will be able to receive notifications from the iPhone. Users will be able to view and react to incoming notifications, which is functionality normally limited to the Apple Watch.
I’m looking forward to Apple’s blog post about how easier Bluetooth pairing will put users at risk. The notification forwarding was previously announced, but I didn’t realize it also included support for reactions.
However, there’s no indication that it will allow seamless switching between devices as you can do with Apple’s [AirPods], for instance.
Previously:
- iOS 26.3: Notification Forwarding in EU
- iOS 26.2 to Open Up iPhone–Apple Watch Wi-Fi Sync in EU
- AirPods Live Translation Expands to the EU
- Apple’s Thoughts on the DMA
- Apple Appeals EU Digital Markets Act Interoperability Rules
- DMA Compliance: Watch and Headphone Interoperability
- Apple Restricts Pebble From Being Awesome With iPhones
- EU iOS Envy
- DMA Compliance: Interoperability Requests
Update (2025-12-26): Steven Aquino:
I could be wrong, but it sounds like Apple’s using its AccessorySetupKit API for this.
[…]
In the end, this week’s news should make disabled people living in the European Union really happy because product pairing is about to become a way more accessible experience.
These benefits aren’t exclusive to Apple. Google’s “Fast Pair” does it on Android too.
3 Comments RSS · Twitter · Mastodon
It’s not just going to put them at risk, it’s going to endanger their lives and their children!
- Apple, probably
Apple PR has changed spin.
They will now claim that since the price of third party headphones isn't going down, there is no need for the DMA.
Just wait and see.
What's being discussed here would be different than normal Bluetooth pairing which comes up and says "This device would like to connect, verify the code, whatever," right?
I don't love the idea of "one-tap pairing." It does make me wonder if it opens up avenues for less technically-savvy users to end up with some kind of attack vector.
E.g. you go into a coffee shop. An innocuous-looking object is left on the table, might even look like a coaster. Or it's attached under the table. Either way, eventually as you're sipping your coffee and using your phone, you get a notification to pair with... something. Not sure how the process actually will work, but the device would supply the name that appears on the screen, right? So it could potentially make it look like it's required to connect to Wi-Fi, for example.
I could see my mom tapping OK (or whatever affirmative) on that.
